English

In Year 3 some
of our children may still need to access the Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics programme, devised by Ruth
Miskin, until they are fluent readers and competent writers. Once they are at
this stage, they will start to use ‘Literacy and Language’. Literacy & Languagemeets thedemands of the
new National Curriculum in a fun and meaningful way. It is a complete literacy
programme addressing the grammar and punctuation aspects of the new statutory
assessments and raising attainment for all children. Drama and discussion are
an integral part of the programme: Literacy
& Language ensures children love writing because it is derived from
what the children say and discuss.

In addition to RWI, the children have English / Thematic Topic lessons were key
skills are taught through the use of a ‘Quality Text’ that connects learning to
the cross curricular topic. The children engage in additional writing, drama
and reading during these sessions.

Children in Key Stage 2 also take part in
‘Guided Reading’ which is the process of being explicitly taught how to read
and comprehend a text using skills such as predicting, summarising, clarifying
words and answering questions, using strategies such as P.E.E (Point, Evidence,
Explanation) Guided reading is taught in small ability groups and whilst the
teacher is focused with one group, the other children are taking part in
reading activities such as comprehending the next part of the text, answering
test style questions and reading for pleasure.

To entrench spelling skills we have adopted the Read Write Inc. Spellingprogramme,
again devised by Ruth Miskin. This helps embeds impressive skills in just 15
minutes a day, quickly and effectively filling the gaps in children’s
knowledge. To keep children engaged, ‘aliens’ introduce spelling rules on an
exciting online spelling planet and children complete quick-fire activities in
their spelling logs. Progress is accurately recorded using practice tests and
teachers learn how to move children on quickly.